The Short-Term Impact of Educational Programs on Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship among Veterinary Students in Serbia.

Simple Summary: The resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Adequate and responsible use of antimicrobial drugs is crucial in combating this threat. Identifying the gaps in knowledge and attitudes, and ensuring the appropriate education of future doctors of veterinary medicine on this matter, are prerequisites for ensuring the efficacy of these drugs in future. This study evaluated the impact of an additional educational program in the form of a symposium on the knowledge and attitudes of veterinary students in Serbia regarding the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs. When compared with their baseline knowledge and attitudes, attending the educational program improved the knowledge and attitudes of Serbian veterinary students which shows the benefits and importance of integrating targeted educational programs into veterinary curricula. Effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is crucial for combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in veterinary medicine. Educational programs targeting veterinary students can play a significant role in shaping their knowledge and attitudes toward antimicrobial use and stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational programs on the knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS among veterinary students in Serbia. A structured educational program on AMS was implemented for veterinary students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad. Pre- and post-symposium assessments were conducted to measure changes in students' knowledge and attitudes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and focus groups, to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The study resulted in significant short-term improvements in students' knowledge of AMS principles and their attitudes toward responsible antimicrobial use. Participants demonstrated a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance and the importance of adhering to stewardship guidelines. Qualitative feedback indicated increased awareness of the consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use and a stronger commitment to applying stewardship practices in their future careers. The educational programs effectively enhanced immediate veterinary students' knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS. These findings underscore the importance of integrating targeted educational programs into veterinary curricula to promote responsible antimicrobial use and combat resistance in veterinary practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]